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Report: Star Wars: The Old Republic Set for September Launch

Unnamed development sources say anticipated MMO will be ready for holiday 2011.

Long ago, in a studio not too far away, BioWare began developing Star Wars: The Old Republic. Whether or not the MMO will ever see a return on publisher EA's mega investment is a hot topic of debate, and according to one report, we'll finally begin to find out the answer when the game ships this fall.

Citing unnamed "development sources" MCV reports that EA is now preparing for a worldwide SWTOR launch in September. The gaming site notes the date is later than most anticipated, with EA CEO John Riccitiello himself stating last year he believed the game would ship in spring 2011.

First announced in October 2008, Star Wars: The Old Republic
takes place more than 3,500 years before the rise of Darth Vader and will allow players to take on the classic Star Wars universe roles in a battle between the Sith Empire and the Republic.

As BioWare co-founder and CEO Dr. Ray Muzyka stated when the game was first announced, SWTOR will feature tried-and-true MMORPG elements along with a focus on story. From Muzyka:

"Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars - combat, exploration and character progression. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we're fusing BioWare's heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation – story."

BioWare co-founder Dr. Greg Zeschuk added: "Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."

Because we love you, here's the stunning E3 2009 cinematic trailer for SWTOR that got the hype train rolling:

Sharkey says: Love that trailer. Who wouldn't love to see a Star Wars movie set in The Old Republic? If the game turns out to be a success, I imagine LucasArts will work with BioWare to make it happen. So, SWTOR in September. Who's in? *Hand raised*